Old Benoni: Clarendon Court, 3.Nc3
Old Benoni: Clarendon Court, 3.Nc3
Definition
The Clarendon Court Variation of the Old Benoni Defence arises after the moves 1.d4 c5 2.d5 e6 3.Nc3. It is a hybrid system that blends ideas from the Benoni, Benko, and even French-Defence structures. By replying …e6 to White’s advance pawn on d5 Black immediately challenges the center and keeps flexible options for the light-squared bishop and the pawn break …exd5 or …f5.
Move-Order Tree
- 1.d4 c5 – the Old Benoni Defence
- 2.d5 e6 – Clarendon Court set-up (…e6 inserted before …e5 or …g6)
- 3.Nc3 – main line covered here
- Alternatives for White on move 3 include 3.e4 (transposing to Benoni/Benko) or 3.Nf3, but 3.Nc3 keeps the tension and supports the d5-pawn while aiming for e4 later.
Strategic Themes
- Central Tension: After 3.Nc3 Black must decide whether to capture on d5 (Benoni-type) or maintain the pawn on e6 and prepare breaks like …exd5 or …f5. White, meanwhile, may strive for e4, f4, and a space advantage.
- Minor-Piece Placement: The knight on c3 puts early pressure on d5 and b5. White’s light-squared bishop often goes to f4, g5, or e3. Black’s dark-squared bishop may travel via e7, g7, or even d6 depending on the pawn structure chosen.
- Pawn Structures:
- If Black captures …exd5 and White recaptures with c-pawn, an isolated d-pawn position reminiscent of the French Tarrasch can emerge.
- If Black delays …exd5, the structure can resemble a Hedgehog (pawns on a6, b6, d6, e6) or a Benoni with …b5 breaks.
- Dynamic Imbalance: Clarendon Court positions are often unbalanced; Black accepts a cramped space in return for counter-attacking pawn breaks. Engines evaluate many lines as near-equal but practically difficult for both sides.
Historical & Anecdotal Notes
- The name “Clarendon Court” was coined by English IM Michael Basman in the 1970s, after the London address where he lived and analysed the system with fellow iconoclasts. Basman and GM Tony Miles wielded it with success in British tournaments.
- Although less popular at top level than the Modern Benoni (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5), it has served as a surprise weapon. GM Bent Larsen used related ideas versus Boris Spassky, Belgrade 1970.
- Because the move 2…e6 resembles the French Defence, some authors call the line the “French Benoni.”
Typical Continuations
- Benoni Capture: 3…exd5 4.cxd5 d6 5.e4 g6 6.f4 Bg7 7.Bb5+. White seizes space; Black hopes for counterplay on the dark squares.
- Hedgehog Set-up: 3…Nf6 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 Be7 6.Be2 O-O 7.O-O a6. Black keeps tension and aims for …b5.
- French-Tarrasch Echo: 3…d6 4.e4 Nf6 5.Nf3 exd5 6.exd5 Be7 7.Be2 O-O leading to IQP structures.
Illustrative Game
Basman, Michael – Miles, Anthony, British Championship, Skegness 1975
A textbook demonstration of Basman’s aggressive kingside expansion (f2-f4, g2-g4) against
Black’s fianchetto. Miles eventually broke with …b5 but Basman’s initiative
on the kingside prevailed.
Why Choose It?
- Surprise Value: Rare in elite play, so theory is lighter and the opponent may be on unfamiliar ground.
- Flexible Plans: Black can switch between Benoni, Hedgehog, or French-like plans based on White’s approach.
- Fighting Game: Leads to sharp, imbalanced middlegames rather than symmetrical queen’s-pawn struggles.
Key Tips for Both Sides
- White: Advance e4 quickly; consider f4-f5 pawn storms; watch out for …b5 and …f5 breaks.
- Black: Time the central break …exd5 carefully; do not fall behind in development; queenside counterplay with …b5 or central strike …f5 is essential.
Interesting Fact
The Clarendon Court’s reputation for “creative disobedience” mirrors Basman’s other off-beat inventions such as the Grob (1.g4) and the St. George Defence (1…a6). In database searches, Clarendon Court games show a surprisingly high draw avoidance rate: fewer than 20 % end peacefully in master play.